September 23, 2024: Today, Amazon.co.za announced the launch of ‘Shop Mzansi’, a newly created and curated storefront on Amazon.co.za showcasing local South African products.
‘Shop Mzansi’ features thousands of products across five different categories; Toys, Home and Kitchen Appliances, Outdoor and Braai, Baby, Luggage, and Beauty.
“We are excited and proud to celebrate National Heritage Day with the launch of a distinctively curated store on Amazon.co.za to promote innovative South African products across a wide range of categories,” saidRobert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon. “Shop Mzansi showcases more than 160 brands from new, emerging, and established South African businesses, each with their own unique story. South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable and we are thrilled to provide a dedicated online store that provides opportunities to support the growth of small businesses so they can thrive in our economy.”
The storefront promotes thousands of products from independent sellers across South Africa alongside recognized brands. “We are committed to the ongoing success of our independent sellers as they are fundamental to our ability to offer a broad selection, great prices, and a convenient shopping experience for our customers.
Amazon Launching the Shop Mzansi storefront is a continuation of our promise to continually invest and innovate on behalf of our customers, while providing independent sellers with customer reach and the tools and services needed to grow. We will continue adding to the Shop Mzansi selection as we onboard more sellers and help them list their products,” added Koen.
Local Business Entrepreneurs Benefit
Local independent seller, Heartfelt, is one example of how selling on Amazon.co.za can have a meaningful impact in communities across the country. A job creation and skills development project, Heartfelt uses traditional hand craft skills to create products including children’s toys, accessories, and decorations made from felt and beads. Born from one woman’s need to survive and support her family, Heartfelt provides employment for women in the rural community of Makapanstad in the North West province of South Africa and currently employs 18 women through their unique contemporary felt designs.
“Having seen the positive impact of Heartfelt on our community, not to mention the joy that our products bring our customers, our goal is to continue spreading the love and create more jobs for women across South Africa and Africa,” said Martha Letsoalo and Julie Hadley, co-Founders of Heartfelt. “We believe the increased exposure and reach that Amazon offers will help us not only achieve but expedite our goals. We are beyond excited to take this next step together with Amazon.”
Cape Town-based online store, Tiger Lily Tots, sells accessories and toys for babies and toddlers on Amazon.co.za. “We take pride in designing and curating products that stimulate exploration and foster growth through interactive learning experiences. Our products seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics and we offer flexible custom-made orders,” said Sam Olivier, founder and designer of Tiger Lily Tots. “We are thrilled to partner with Amazon and expand our customer base, adding a touch of charm to everyday moments for more customers across South Africa, while allowing us to give back to those in need by donating a percentage of sales from some of our best-selling products.”
In addition, the Shop Mzansi storefront will feature products from South African women-owned brands, including African Mamas and Suki Suki Naturals, to name a few.
Onboarding Assistance From Amazon
“Since we launched in South Africa, we have worked closely with independent sellers to help them onboard their products on Amazon.co.za. Today is a proud moment for us as we pay homage to local entrepreneurs and artisans by showcasing their products in a store dedicated entirely to them, further enabling them to reach millions of customers across the country. Additionally, our local curated store provides opportunities for local businesses to expand to other global Amazon stores such as Amazon.com, thereby boosting the country’s efforts towards digitizing small businesses and positioning them for real success and longevity,” said Suzelle Abe, Head of Amazon Marketplace, Sub-Saharan Africa.
To experience ‘Shop Mzansi,’ visit the store on www.amazon.co.za/shopmzansi on both desktop and mobile browsers, or download the Amazon Shopping app.
For more information on how to sell on Amazon.co.za, visit https://sell.amazon.com/south-africa.
